Latest news with #UWTSD
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Pembrokeshire Herald
WRU turmoil deepens as Ospreys and Scarlets remain unsigned
Trailblazing lecturer calls for change in male-dominated industry ABI PENNY, Senior Lecturer in Motorsport Engineering at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), is calling for greater support to encourage more women into motorsport careers. With nearly two decades of teaching and hands-on experience in the field, Abi is determined to inspire the next generation of female engineers and challenge outdated stereotypes. 'Motorsport has been my passion for as long as I can remember,' she said. 'And I feel incredibly fortunate that it's become my career.' Abi has spent the past 18 years teaching Motorsport Engineering at UWTSD and says the industry has transformed during that time. From hybrid powertrains to advanced simulation and data modelling, engineering has become more diverse and dynamic than ever before. But one thing, she says, has remained stubbornly unchanged — the low number of women entering the profession. 'For years, I was the only woman in our motorsport department. Today, there are two of us, and nationally, women now make up around 10 per cent of the motorsport workforce — a small but significant step forward.' According to Abi, breaking the stereotype of the 'grease-covered mechanic' is key to making engineering more appealing and accessible to girls and young women. 'Engineering isn't just about spanners and overalls,' she explains. 'Modern motorsport includes roles in software, simulation, and data analysis. There's space in this industry for people with a wide range of skills and personalities. You can still love fashion, wear heels, and have amazing nails if you want — and still be a great engineer.' Abi credits her own success to the support of her rally-enthusiast father, a strong feminist mother, and inspiring maths teachers at Llangatwg Comprehensive and St John Baptist School. But she knows many young women don't get that same encouragement early on. 'There's been great progress in promoting STEM subjects, but we need to keep going. We need to show girls what's possible — that engineering is an exciting, well-paid, and global career with strong maternity support and genuine camaraderie.' She highlights initiatives such as F1 in Schools, Green Power, and Motorsport UK's Girls on Track programme as examples of what's working. At UWTSD, 10 per cent of current motorsport students are female — a milestone being celebrated with a series of events to foster a stronger community of women in the sector. UWTSD's BEng Motorsport Engineering programme, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, was the first of its kind in the world. Founded by former lecturer Roger Dowden, it has produced graduates who now work for leading names in the industry, including McLaren, Bentley, Ford, Toyota Gazoo Racing and Gordon Murray Automotive. 'Our course blends academic rigour with real-world experience,' Abi said. 'We work closely with industry to ensure our graduates are job-ready and in high demand.' Her message to the next generation is clear: 'You don't have to be a petrolhead to succeed. You just need curiosity, determination, and a belief in yourself. To any girl out there dreaming of motorsport — believe me when I say, you can do anything.'
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
University celebrates Outdoor Learning Week with activities
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) held workshops and activities at Yr Egin's community garden and the Carmarthen campus Sports Hall. These sessions were all part of Wales Outdoor Learning Week 2025 and aimed to inspire the university students and primary school children who took part. Early years lecturer, Glenda Tinney, said: "Having a garden and other outdoor space to bring students to engage with the importance of outdoor learning is so important for early childhood students. "Exploring, being curious, and having authentic experiences in the natural world are key to young children's development. "Outdoor learning week reminds us how crucial it is for all of us to get outside and explore. "We look forward to more experiences in future, so we use the outdoors regularly throughout the term to support students' learning." Yr Egin's engagement manager, Llinos Jones, said: "It's inspiring to see students engaging directly with real communities and schoolchildren, putting their work into practice in meaningful ways. "The opportunity to co-deliver workshops helps them develop confidence, imagination, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. "The garden is a fantastic space for learning and connection."
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
University of Wales Trinity Saint David reignites Welsh student's creative spark
For one student from Aberdare in South Wales, choosing which university to attend was all about reigniting his passion for creativity. Luke Cotter, who graduated last year with a BA in Fine Art, recalls the pivotal moment that made his decision clear – attending an open day at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), where a session by one of the course tutors sparked his desire to create again. That spark, combined with the university's hands-on approach and excellent workshop facilities, confirmed his choice to study at UWTSD's Swansea College of Art. 'I chose UWTSD because, during the open day, there was a session by one of the lecturers that really did it for me. It reignited my passion for creating. The university's excellent workshops also stood out to me because I enjoy working with my hands,' Luke explains. Courses that inspire creativity and success (Image: UWTSD) Reflecting on his time studying Fine Art at UWTSD, Luke highlights the freedom the course offers and how rewarding the ability to experiment with different forms of art has been. Luke says: 'This course is fantastic. The freedom to create all year round and the inspiration from other artists around me have been a highlight. When I first started, I was painting castles, and now I'm creating large sculptures from second-hand wood. The studio gives you the space to push your creative boundaries.' Luke's journey at UWTSD also opened doors for him to showcase his work to the public in some of Swansea's well-known venues, from the Vivian Gallery to Volcano Theatre, and be part of the local art scene. 'I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to display my work in venues such as the Elysium Gallery and the university's Alex Building. I also created awards for the Cellar Prizes in 2023 and even presented them at the National Eisteddfod of Wales - the opportunities here have been amazing.' (Image: UWTSD) While his time at university was filled with opportunities, it wasn't without challenges. Luke admits that writing academic essays was initially difficult, but with support from tutors, he was able to improve. 'The academic writing was a challenge at first, but the tutors walked me through what makes a good essay. There were also challenges working in groups for public shows, but in the end, it all came together perfectly.' Adding a unique dimension When asked if he would recommend UWTSD's Fine Art course, Luke's answer is clear: 'Of course. This course is open to everyone and gives you the freedom to create the work you've always wanted to make. The opportunities here are incredible.' Luke studied through the medium of Welsh. For him, the opportunity to discuss and explore creative ideas in Welsh with fellow students added a unique dimension to his studies. Gwenllian Beynon, a senior lecturer at Swansea College of Art, said: 'Since Luke started at Swansea College of Art, he has been enthusiastic about using the Welsh language in his studies. "His creative development has incorporated his artistic knowledge and his knowledge of Wales and its art. His opinion about them is very strong, and tutorial discussions with Luke are always interesting.' The start of the journey to success (Image: UWTSD) Luke's journey at UWTSD started when he visited one of its open days, which the university offers across its campus locations. These provide the perfect opportunity to discover what UWTSD's courses and campuses offer and give prospective students a flavour of studying at the university. 'It's important to do the research into what is offered by universities,' says Andy Carr, UWTSD head of student recruitment and widening outreach. 'Each university has its own unique characteristics, and choosing the location and the experience offered to students can be just as important as which course to study. (Image: University of Wales Trinity Saint David) 'Visiting open days is essential because it is the opportunity to see the university's facilities, the location, and to speak directly with academic staff and professional support services. That is a great help when weighing up what kind of experience is right for you and what career you want to have after graduating. "At UWTSD, we have a wide choice of courses and campus locations, but what they all have in common is the emphasis placed on offering a good experience to our students. "There are a number of open days organised for June and July, so this is the perfect opportunity to visit us."
